A Comfortable Journey: Virgin Australia's Premium Economy

what does premium economy look like on virgin australia

Virgin Australia's Premium Economy offers passengers a more comfortable and spacious experience than standard Economy. Available exclusively on the airline's five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the Premium Economy cabin features 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, with ample legroom and a seat width of 19.5 inches. Passengers can enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage services, as well as dedicated crew and a premium Larder refrigerator stocked with beverages and snacks. The experience is designed to ensure passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed, with some describing it as akin to first class.

Characteristics Values
Aircraft Boeing 777-300ER
Number of seats 24
Seat pitch 41 inches
Seat width 19.5 inches
Seat recline 9 inches
Seat configuration 2-4-2
Amenities Amenity kits, blankets, pillows, REN Skincare products
Check-in Dedicated Premium check-in counter
Boarding Priority boarding
Baggage Priority baggage services, preferred overhead locker
Food and drinks Self-service premium Larder refrigerator with drinks and snacks, first meal choice
Lounge access No access to Emirates Lounge at LAX
Other Dedicated crew members, premium noise-cancelling headset, ample storage space

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Seat configuration and amenities

Virgin Australia's Boeing 777 Premium Economy cabin has 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. The seats are 19.5 inches wide and have 9 inches of recline, providing ample legroom for a comfortable journey. Overhead bins offer plenty of storage space for carry-on luggage, and there is also room for items under the seats. The seats feature stylish dark plum fabric, a purple pillow, and a charcoal leather headrest. Passengers can expect to find a lightweight blanket on their seat upon boarding.

Two lavatories are located at the rear of the premium cabin, one of which is dedicated to Premium Economy passengers, while the other is shared with Economy passengers.

The Premium Economy experience offers a range of amenities, including a premium Larder refrigerator stocked with beverages and snacks throughout the flight. Passengers can also expect dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and priority baggage services. Each seat includes a personal USB port and an amenity kit with luxurious blankets, pillows, and REN Skincare products.

The meal service in Premium Economy is tailored to each guest's preferences and timings. Passengers are guaranteed their first choice of meal and can enjoy the airline's fresh and delicious menu, featuring hot and cold dishes served with a choice of Australian beers, wines, soft drinks, and hot beverages.

Overall, Virgin Australia's Premium Economy offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, enhanced personalisation, and dedicated services to ensure a pleasant journey.

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Check-in, boarding and baggage

Virgin Australia offers a dedicated check-in service for its Premium Economy guests, enabling them to speed through airport formalities. Check-in opens three hours before the scheduled flight departure time for international flights. Guests requiring special assistance are requested to check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

For international flights, it is important that guests familiarise themselves with the essential travel documentation required to board the flight. Guests without the correct travel documentation may miss their flight and forfeit the fare paid. It is also important to keep in mind the enhanced security measures for what is permitted on board international flights.

Guests travelling on Virgin Australia operated flights are permitted a carry-on baggage allowance based on cabin class and Velocity Tier. In addition, one of the following personal items may be carried in the cabin: a laptop computer, handbag, pocketbook or purse (of a reasonable size). Adults travelling with infants are entitled to an additional 7kg of carry-on baggage free of charge for essential baby products.

For checked baggage, items over 23kg may incur overweight baggage fees. The maximum weight permitted is 32kg. Pre-purchased baggage may only be purchased if travelling on a Virgin Australia-ticketed and operated flight. Up to two additional bags may be purchased online or via the Guest Contact Centre prior to check-in.

Priority boarding is available at selected airports for Velocity Frequent Flyer members with status.

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Food and drinks

Virgin Australia's Premium Economy offers a wide range of food and beverage options to enhance your flying experience. The airline emphasises self-service and personalisation, allowing you to tailor your meal experience according to your preferences and schedule.

Meal Service: Premium Economy passengers can enjoy a meal service that caters to their individual demands. You can choose from a variety of tasty and freshly prepared dishes, including classic favourites, local specialties, and unexpected treats. The menu is designed to be playful yet plated to impress, offering a feast for both your eyes and your appetite.

Drinks and Snacks: You will have access to a premium Larder refrigerator, which is regularly restocked with beverages and snacks throughout the flight. This includes a range of complimentary drinks, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, alcohol-free beer, mixers, hot beverages like coffee and tea, and even premium spirits and wines. The Larder refrigerator also offers a selection of snacks to satisfy your cravings during the flight.

Signature Experiences: Virgin Australia's Signature Mile High Tea is a highlight, featuring flavourful finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and your choice of hot beverage. This indulgent experience brings a touch of sophistication to your flight. Additionally, you can savour the exclusive Virgin Bloody Mary flavour Savoursmith crisps, crafted specifically for the airline, offering a unique and bold snacking option.

Special Dietary Requirements: Virgin Australia accommodates a range of dietary needs. They offer dedicated kids' menus with nutritious and fun meals, as well as options for vegetarians. If you have specific requirements, such as gluten-free, kosher, or halal meals, you can request these in advance to ensure they cater to your needs.

Virgin Australia's Premium Economy dining experience is designed to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and satisfied, offering a blend of convenience, personalisation, and delicious cuisine.

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Lounges

Virgin Australia offers a network of seven stylish domestic airport lounges across Australia. These include lounges in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. The lounges offer a range of benefits and services to eligible guests, providing a premium experience that enhances their travel journey.

One of the key advantages of the Virgin Australia lounges is their convenient location within the airport. For example, the Brisbane Lounge Premium Entry is located just steps away from the Virgin Australia lounge, offering easy access for eligible guests. Similarly, the Sydney Lounge Premium Entry is situated on the departures level, providing direct kerbside access and a seamless travel experience.

The lounges are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests to unwind before their flight. They feature modern and stylish interiors, with amenities such as comfortable seating, dedicated work areas, and dining options. The lounges also offer a selection of refreshments, including beverages and snacks, allowing guests to refresh and recharge before their journey.

In terms of eligibility, access to the Virgin Australia lounges is typically reserved for specific membership tiers and ticket classes. This includes Virgin Australia Beyond, Business Class guests, Velocity Platinum and Gold members, partner airline reciprocal status members, and Lounge Members. Some eligible credit card holders, such as American Express Platinum cardholders, also receive complimentary lounge access. Additionally, single-entry lounge passes can be purchased at the door or pre-loaded onto Velocity accounts for specific membership tiers.

The operating hours of the lounges are designed to accommodate travellers' needs, typically opening one hour before the first Virgin Australia flight and remaining open until the last flight departure. However, it's important to note that lounge operating hours may vary due to changing government restrictions and operational requirements.

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Price

The price of Virgin Australia's Premium Economy varies depending on the route and the time of booking. For example, one reviewer noted that premium economy fares on Virgin Australia were "astronomical", with both one-way and round-trip fares exceeding $2,000. However, another reviewer found a mixed-cabin option for $1,617 round-trip, which included premium economy on the outbound flight and economy on the return flight.

Retail fares for Virgin Australia's Premium Economy typically start at $3,000 one-way, with a return trip costing only about $500 more. This pricing positions Premium Economy as a good compromise between comfort and value, especially when compared to the higher prices and lower availability of Business and First Class seats on similar routes.

It is worth noting that Virgin Australia's airfares are subject to change without notice. Additionally, there may be fees associated with changes or cancellations made to bookings, particularly for Economy Lite, Choice, and Flex fares. These fees may increase for bookings made after a certain date, and they are typically applied per person, per booking. Cancellation fees may also apply, and refunds may be available under certain circumstances, such as in cases where a flight is cancelled or changed and alternative arrangements cannot be made.

When considering the price of Premium Economy on Virgin Australia, it is also worth taking into account the additional benefits that come with the fare, such as increased seat recline, extra legroom, priority check-in, boarding, and lounge access, as well as enhanced dining and entertainment options. These benefits can significantly improve the overall travel experience and may justify the higher price tag for some travellers.

Frequently asked questions

Virgin Australia's Premium Economy cabin has 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, with each seat measuring 19.5 inches in width and offering ample legroom. The seats are styled with dark plum fabric, a purple pillow, and a charcoal leather headrest.

Premium Economy customers have access to a premium Larder refrigerator stocked with beverages and snacks throughout the flight. They also receive an amenities kit with items like luxurious blankets, pillows, and skincare products. Additionally, passengers benefit from dedicated check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage services, and a preferred overhead locker.

Premium Economy offers more legroom than standard domestic business class and significantly more space than Economy. It provides a more comfortable seat for longer sleeping times, especially on the Transpacific flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Los Angeles. However, it does not include lounge access, which is typically reserved for Business Class and above.

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